quote:
Originally posted by Taqwus:
How 'bout --
* A unit factory component specialized for building mines or fighters (possibly only one of the two. Troops are units too, but I can't see them being assembled unless they're actually 'droids...), for use in a long-range mine layer or carrier (i.e. replenish numbers without a return to base or a ship chain, and without the need for a full 400kt mobile shipyard).
* Cheap unmanned probes? Unless satellites can already move on their own...
* Short-range transporter (for boarding/bombing ala MOO2) ?
* 'Combination' devices, like a combined shield generator/armor device like in Stars!, that has neither the combined bulk nor damage resistance of the two... this might actually be possible with simply text-file editing, as the code for multiple functions must already be there.
* Custom missiles? That'd be either a fair bit of extra code, methinks (because now a missile launcher would need a variable telling it what type to use), or a paradigm shift (to finite missiles which actually take space, and the missile components are replaced by launchers ala fighter bays; missiles then become units that are AI-controlled upon launch).
* Constructing facilities on asteroids. Specifically, engines, supply storage/q. reactor, and a master computer for guidance (maintaining course).
OK, so maybe flinging asteroids at enemy homeworlds is a BIT too evil... ;-)
A "unit-only" shipyard would be nice. You could change the data files in the full Version to make a smaller shipyard, but it would have all the abilities of the large Version. This could alter game balance in bad ways.
Unmanned probes and lots of other cool functions are covered by drones. I hope they get implemented soon. Read the proposed features in vehiclesize.txt if you're curious.
Just say NO to transporters. This technology implies a ridiculously high level of control over matter-energy. Practically all the other techs in the game are obsolete toys to someone who can do what transporters do. Convert soemthing to pure energy, then reassamble it AT A DISTANCE with no loss? Think about what this really implies. It's nothing short of magic.
Combination components/facilites are easy once you get the full Version and can edit the data files.
Custom missiles - good idea, but as you say messy to code. Being able to choose what type of warhead to use in a given combat would be cool, tough.